Not If But When Scripture Reading: James 1:2 – 5a

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” 

I’ve heard the refrain, ‘You’ve got troubles, I’ve got troubles….all God’s chillen got troubles’! Jesus Himself told us that in this world we will have troubles, but we are able to take heart, because He has overcome the world. So my sister and brother if you are going through hard and challenging times right now, remember that it is, ‘Not If But When’ – troubles come our way.

Christians are called to respond entirely differently that people who have no faith in God. We are called by faith to rejoice greatly whenever these troubles come our way. You might wonder in your heart and life, especially when going through such a season why this is or is it even possible? The answer to the question is because Jesus Christ is Your Savior and Lord. He is the One who is in charge. He is the one leading and guiding you all along life’s way.

As you and I are tested in our faith – our endurance has a chance to grow. Whether it will grow or not quite frankly depends on how we respond to the tests in front of us. If we respond according to the Spirit of Christ, it will build up our lives and character. We will be like diamonds who after years of pressure come out resplendent and shining in the Light of God’s love to the greater glory of His name.

As we trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and give way to His wisdom in our lives, we will find ourselves complete in each and every season that we need to walk through. This comes from the understanding that when it comes to each and every situation, relationship and circumstance of our lives that ultimately, we are not in control. And we are quite fine with this, because the moment that we accepted Jesus Christ, we handed over the keys and committed ourselves to follow His plan, purpose and direction for our lives. Lead on oh King eternal! 

Prayer My Father in heaven, help me I pray in the times, even seasons of trial, testing and troubles in my life to remember the promise that Jesus is always with me and as I rejoice in Him in faith believing that You are developing spiritual character in my life. Use me I pray to encourage my brothers and sisters who are going through the storms of life to be looking unto Jesus the One who will see us safely through and make us more like You. I commit to this once again today through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Amen. 

Memory Verse: Philippians 3:12 “I ________ on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us.”